Where to buy cheap hammered?

[Generic Lad]

Hello!

I'd really like to get better at identifying bits and pieces of hammered coins, its not really an area I'm super familiar with, does anyone know where (and from whom) I can buy cheap (worn, broken, bent, etc.) hammered coins in order to get better at identifying varieties? I'm not looking to spend a whole lot per coin, but wouldn't mind putting down a couple hundred dollars to get a large lot

[Paddy]

Difficult one that for you being in the US. It may be worth joining one of the UK based Metal detectorist forums - they are turning up quite a lot of low grade hammered coins and you may find someone who is prepared to sell you his spares.

Most auction houses sell better grade coins and want good money for them, or throw the low grade stuff in with a lot of other low grade modern coins. On Ebay the bulk lots tend to be such low grade that they are unrecognisable.

 

[Generic Lad]

Yeah -- that's basically the hard part is trying to find something that's not too expensive but still has a possibility of being identified. It seems like either eBay is filled with either too small of lots with fairly expensive overseas shipping (I've seen $25+), worn coins, or have nice coins tossed about in there

I'd love something like this eBay lot: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hammered-silver-collection-All-Suffolk-found-by-myself/292622647698?hash=item4421ab4192:g:dRkAAOSwq4VbNlbp

 

But I have a feeling that between the $25 of shipping mixed with the scattering of rare coins (seller mentions the groat but there looks to be a Scottish 20 pence mixed in there which seems to sell for $50+ in that condition) will make that particular lot fall out of my price range

[hibernianscribe]

I would say that the best way to get 'familiar' with hammered varieties is (unfortunately, due to prospective cost) to be able to scrutinise coins that are in reasonable condition since many varieties have subtle differences that will only be evident on coins that are not worn. Familiarity with good, genuine pieces will facilitate easier identification of worn coins.

Also, further to what Paddy has said above, British metal detecting forums can be a font of knowledge. Even if you are unable to get worn pieces sent to you, you can still 'tap-in' to the many requests for identification and information on different finds that are posted every week. Here are a few links that might help:

https://www.metaldetectingforum.co.uk/

http://www.britishmetaldetecting.co.uk/index.php

http://www.garysdetecting.co.uk/forum/index.php

http://www.ukdetectornet.co.uk/

http://www.detectingwales.com/index.php?action=login

Lastly, it might not be what you want to do but I would suggest that as a starting point study of the several excellent, illustrated reference books that are available across the range of British hammered coins would be the way to approach this so that you gain an academic appreciation of different varieties.

Frank

[Generic Lad]

Thanks!

[Peter]

Collect cut 1d's they are cheap as chips and a good learning point.Get them sent as normal UK/US postage.

[Ukstu]

2 hours ago, Peter said:

Collect cut 1d's they are cheap as chips and a good learning point.Get them sent as normal UK/US postage.

Good strategy Pete. I found my Rhuddlan half in amongst a bunch of cut half pennies. You occasionally hit a gem. 

[Peter]

They were currency  and somewhere in my collection I have a cut half groat.The history of these coins is where  my passion is.

Oh to be in England... by the grace of god.

[Peter]

Dublin cut 1d's can make good £.

[Generic Lad]

Where do you normally find the cut hammered? eBay?

[Ukstu]

15 hours ago, Generic Lad said:

Where do you normally find the cut hammered? eBay?

Ebay mainly. Occasionally some of the dealers sell them also.